Falkirk Council has applied for £35m in funding from the Scottish Government in a bid to build almost 800 affordable homes to rent over the next five years.

The cash for a consortium led by Falkirk Council on behalf of itself and other social landlords in the area would add to the £55m to be provided by the bidders.

Falkirk Council is aiming to provide 562 homes - 202 new build and 360 buybacks, in which the council puts former council homes back into social ownership.

Weslo Housing Management, Kingdom Housing Association and Link Housing Association are aiming to provide a further 224 new builds, bringing the total to 786 homes.

Over the past five years, the council has provided 338 new builds and 243 buy back properties.

The homes will be a mix of housing types spread across the Falkirk Council area in Stenhousemuir, Denny, Falkirk, Grangemouth, Bo'ness, Whitecross, Tamfourhill, Dunipace and Dennyloanhead.

Falkirk Council housing spokesman Gerry Goldie said: "Making new and affordable homes available locally is a big priority for us and this ambitious bid if successful will see nearly 800 properties available for social renting across the Falkirk area.

"Combining our resources with other social landlords ensures we can maximise the bid and get the most out of our application for local communities across the Falkirk area.

"We are already in negotiations with the Scottish Government to ensure we get the best deal for residents in the area and deliver housing where it is really needed."